Principles of dynamics and servo-constraints

It is well known that in the Béghin–Appel theory servo-constraints are realized using controlled external forces. In this paper an expansion of the Béghin–Appel theory is given in the case where servo-constraints are realized using controlled change of the inertial properties of a dynamical system. The analytical mechanics of dynamical systems with servo-constraints of general form is discussed. The key principle of the approach developed is to appropriately determine virtual displacements of systems with constraints.